~Tracks across the country welcome new and existing supporters for stellar week of racing~

~Stadia also offer host of family-friendly events, engaging children and young people in the sport~

The second annual National Greyhound Week (NGW) came to an end on Sunday after seven days of thrilling racing and special NGW events staged at tracks across the country.

  GBGB Greyhound Ambassador Mark Burridge with retired racers Sandy and Wolfie at Hove

Throughout the week, which began on Bank Holiday Monday (26th August), GBGB licensed tracks immersed themselves in NGW celebrations, welcoming new and existing visitors.

Tracks offered a range of promotions to engage local audiences which led to record levels of attendance at some venues. On the first day of NGW, over 900 racegoers were trackside at Nottingham which was a track record for a Monday evening. Likewise at Newcastle, the stadium experienced their highest level of attendance across one week in the year so far.

Mickys Legacy and Mickys Barrett at Nottingham

In particular, stadia used the week to highlight the sport’s appeal to families, putting on a host of family-friendly activities for children and young people. Several racecourses, including Crayford, Hove, Romford and the Valley, held a Family Fun Day. At Romford, this saw 40 children attend the track on Monday to meet retired racers Marina (Mayses Marina), Bruno (Classic Bruno), and Albie (Hellofahoohah), from Romford Retired Greyhounds and learn about what fantastic pets they make.

Children with retired racers at Romford

Tracks also used the opportunity to fundraise for worthwhile causes. During Monmore Green’s flagship NGW meeting, the team raised over £700 for Children with Cancer UK and Prostate Cancer UK thanks to the generous support of attendees.

Following its success last year, several tracks once again hosted GBGB’s NGW roadshow where children were able to receive a giveaway of wristbands and rosettes. Adults were invited to take part in an NGW Trap Challenge to be in with a chance of winning a table for four in the restaurant at a track of their choice.

The week was also met with positive support and engagement on social media. Users enjoyed the launch of a brand-new National Greyhound Week video, featuring broadcaster Jonathan Hobbs and professional greyhounds trainers Gemma Evans and Kevin Hutton. In addition, GBGB worked closely with stadia to spotlight some of the sport’s most dedicated and committed families on each day of NGW.

GBGB Greyhound Ambassador Gail May with retired racers Eric and Pablo at Towcester

Reflecting on the week, Mark Moisley, Commercial Director at GBGB, said:

“We are delighted with the reception we had to our second annual National Greyhound Week. Our sport really is underpinned by some incredible and dedicated families – working together at kennels and tracks across the country – which is why we wanted to use the opportunity to highlight what a fun and accessible activity greyhound racing is for children, young people and adults alike.

“It was fantastic therefore to visit tracks throughout the week as part of our NGW Roadshow and see the excitement and enthusiasm of so many new and enduring racegoers. A huge thank you to all the tracks, trainers, owners, GBGB team and Greyhound Ambassadors who put their time and effort into driving the week forward and making it such a success.

“Thank you also to colleagues across the racing industry, including the Greyhound Star, Greyhound Weekly, Racing Post as well as at ARC, Entain and Betfred for the support they provided.”